Last week we headed to Telluride for my birthday and decided on the scenic route, 285 > 50 > 550 > 62 > 145 and into town. This state never ceases to impress me and the landscape variations that drive took us through were nothing short of amazing. Several areas jumped out at us as definitely needing further exploration, Curecatchi Wildlife Refuge and Black Canyon for starters.

The gondola was a totally new concept to the girls and become almost like a roller coaster to them. They just wanted to keep riding and riding. The only time they actually wanted off was when we rode it at night.

My aunt was super awesome and lined up a bunch of local stuff for us to do. She's a huge supporter of Mountain Film and get us all tickets to go and see their showing of "Freedom Chair" and "Right To Play". Both were extraordinary films and definite must sees. The girls got to meet Josh Dueck, Frank Marshall and Dan Jansen. Josh gave Dillen and Roxy an autograph but Dillen was bummed she wasn't able to get one from Frank.

Dillen and Roxy then got to take a watercolor class the following day where they painted outside along the river trail. While they were painting, Bec and I took a hike with Piper up towards Bridal Veil.

I had been telling Bec that I didn't want to come all the way to Telluride and not put the truck in the dirt. Last Dollar and Ophir both looked like great mellow options but I really wanted to get some images of my girls at the top of Imogene. How many kids at school are able to say they've been there? Not many. Bec is a history buff and after we learned a bit about the Tomboy site, she grudgingly agreed.

Monday morning was a total blue bird morning and we decided to extend our stay for a couple of days. I went for a run on the mountain and when I got back we headed out to the trail. Very little traffic on the trail as we headed up. A couple of spots got Bec to close her eyes and white knuckle the dash but once she realized that we were passing the tour trucks, she loosened up a bit. Once we started coming upon the mine relics, she was practically hanging out the window.

The Tomboy site was a hoot for everyone. Bec and the girls wandered trying to imagine where the store was, or the school, or how folks lived up there. Finding a gathering of relics (shoes, gloves, bottles) was icing on the cake and Bec forgave me for driving her up that godforsaken road.

We continued our way to the top where we stopped and had a little lunch. The girls got a big laugh out of the expansion of their Pirates Booty bags but were more than a little annoyed that the bread of their PBJs had almost totally dried out.

I had wanted to photograph them at the Imogene Pass sign but it seems to have gone missing.

After we got back down the hill, the girls wanted to try and go fishing. I don't know anything about fishing but somehow, the girls picked up casting just fine. They now want to go back up to Loch Lomond to try and catch something for real.

The drive back was just as beautiful as the drive down. We encountered a couple of freak hail storms, once going over Monarch Pass and another between Fairplay and Jefferson. Both had the girls in complete giggles.

It was a great trip in a beautiful area. The girls loved it so much that Roxy was asking to move there and all three wanted to know why we had to leave.

smslavin

07-12-2012, 04:45 PM

Damn. Forgot to mention the best part. Bec and I got a night out! Sunday evening we went down to the park for a concert. Beats Antique and Ziggy Marley. What an absolute blast.

corsair23

07-12-2012, 04:57 PM

Great write up and pictures! Looks like you had a great time :)

wesintl

07-12-2012, 07:55 PM

yeap. To-Hell-U-Ride rocks. wait til you ski there on a 16" bluebird day :)

the new sheridan for beers.

smslavin

07-12-2012, 09:12 PM

yeap. To-Hell-U-Ride rocks. wait til you ski there on a 16" bluebird day :)

the new sheridan for beers.

can't wait. it's been many many years since i've skied there. starting my snow dances already.

rover67

07-12-2012, 09:26 PM

SWEET!

Thanks for the pics!!

That's awesome about the concert, beats antique rock.

I have never skied there but I want to.

Jacket

07-12-2012, 09:29 PM

Just so I'm clear - family of 5 + golden retriever in the FJC, plus all your ****? Nice packing job!

Enjoyed the report. Those kind of trips create long lasting memories for everyone. I hope we have room for 1 or 2 more....